Giant puppets return to Liverpool for commemorative WW1 event

7th January 2014

Street theatre specialists, Royal De Luxe are to return to Liverpool from July 23-27 with the giant puppets that wowed audiences in 2012 – Giant Spectacular will once again roam the streets of Liverpool, which will host the UK’s flagship 2014 World War One (WW1) commemoration event.

Minister for Sport and Tourism Helen Grant, who is co-ordinating the UK government’s commemorations of the centenary, has confirmed the city will stage 2014’s flagship cultural event, marking 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. The event is commissioned jointly by Liverpool City Council and 14-18 NOW, the First World War Centenary Cultural Programme.

Memories of August 1914 will be created by Royal De Luxe, who captivated crowds of 800,000 people in 2012 with the Giant spectacular Sea Odyssey, generating £32 million for the local economy.

The Little Girl Giant and her dog Xolo will explore the city as part of a brand new story recollecting a time when Britain was preparing for war.

Grant said: “2014 marks the centenary of the outbreak of a war which transformed not only this country, but the world forever.

“There will be events taking place across the country throughout the four years of the anniversary, but Liverpool will without a doubt be home to one of the largest cultural commemorations.

“This is sure to be a truly powerful and memorable piece of street theatre which will shine a spotlight on an incredibly important period in our history.”

Added Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson: “For Liverpool to host one of the biggest World War One commemorative events in 2014 is a huge honour in itself. But to once again be working in partnership with Royal De Luxe, makes this extra special.

“We have been in talks with them for some time about returning to Liverpool – but we always knew the story had to be right. “I know Royal De Luxe will make Liverpool, along with the whole of the UK, proud with the outdoor magic they create, which is guaranteed to be awe-inspiring.

“Sea Odyssey was a truly unforgettable event, and I regularly get asked when the Giants are coming back. I’m sure the news of their return will see another much-needed boost for our local economy.”

The full story and route will be announced at a later date, but throughout the event the King’s Regiment and the Liverpool PALS will play a prominent role. There will be a focus on recruitment, and how Liverpool’s efforts impacted on the rest of the country.

The show will act as the finale for the 2014 International Festival for Business which will see more than one hundred events taking place in June and July with the aim of accelerating UK economic growth.